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BEING 


IMITATIONS   OF  PSALMS. 


TAMES  MONTGOMERY. 


•  come  let  us  sing  unto  the   Lord  ;  let  us  heartily  rejoice  in  tl*e 
strength  of  our  salvation.  Psalm  xcy.  l 


boston: 

wells  and  lilly— court-street 

1823. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/ziobingOOmont 


r 


^rrfcicc. 


In  the  following  Imitations  of  portions  of 
the  true  u Songs  ofZion"  the  author  pre- 
tends not  to  have  succeeded  better  than 
any  that  have  gone  before  him ;  but, 
having  followed  in  the  track  of  none,  he 
would  venture  to  hope,  that,  by  avoiding 
the  rugged  literality  of  some,  and  the 
diffusive  paraphrases  of  others,  he  may, 
in  a  few  instances,  have  approached 
nearer  than  either  of  them  have  general- 
ly done,  to  the  ideal  model  of  what  de- 
votional poem-,  in  a  modern  tongue. 
grounded  upon   the    subject^   of   ancient 

B,  yet  suited  for  Christian  edi 
tion,  ouccht  to  be.     Beyond  this  he 
not  say  more  than  that  whatever  symp- 


IT 


toms  of  feebleness  or  bad  taste  may  be 
betrayed  in  the  execution  of  these  pieces, 
he  offers  not  to  the  public  the  premature 
fruits  of  idleness  or  haste.  So  far  as  he 
recollects,  he  has  endeavoured  to  do  his 
best,  and,  in  doing  so,  he  has  never  hesi- 
tated to  sacrifice  ambitious  ornament  to 
simplicity,  clearness  and  force  of  thought 
and  expression.  If,  in  the  event,  it  shall 
be  found  that  he  has  added  a  little  to  the 
small  national  stock  of  "  psalms  and 
hymns,  and  spiritual  songs,"  in  which 
piety  speaks  the  language  of  poetry,  and 
poetry  the  language  of  inspiration,  he 
trusts  that  he  will  be  humbly  contented 
and  unfeignedly  thankful. 

Sheffield,  May  21,  1822, 


L 


Contents. 


page 

Najlh  1 9 

Psalm  III 10 

PI4LH  IV.     No.   1 11 

Psalm  IV.     No.  2 12 

Psaf.m  VIII 13 

Psalm  XI 15 

Psalm  XIX.     No.  1 16 

Psalm  XIX.     No.  2 17 

Psalm  XXIII 19 

Psalm  XXIV.  No.  1 20 

Psalm  XXIV.  No.  2 21 

Psalm  XXVII.  No.  1 23 

Psalm  XXVII.     No.  2 24 

Psalm  XXIX 26 

Psalm  XXX 2* 

1 


ri 


Psalm  XXXIX 30 

Psalm  XLTI.     No.  1 33 

Psalm  XLII.     No.  2 34 

Psalm  XLIII.     [Continuation  of  Psalm  XLII.] 

No.  3 36 

Psalm  XLVI.     No.  1 37 

Psalm  XLVI.     No.  2 39 

Psalm  XLVII 40 

Psalm  XLVIII 42 

Psalm  LI 44 

Psalm  LXIII 47 

Psalm  LXIX 49 

Psalm  LXX 50 

Psalm  LXXI 51 

Ps  vlm  LXXII 53 

Psalm  LXXII ] 57 

Psalm  LXXVII 60 

Psalm  LXXX 63 

Psalm  LXXXIV.  .  . 65 

Psii.ivi   XC    ,  .  .  .  .  . 67 

Psalm  XCI.  .  , , 70 

Psalm  XCIII.  .  .  .  . 73 

Psalm  XCV.     .  .  .  .  , 74 

fSALM  C „  .  .  . 76 


vn 

FSALM  CIII 77 

PSAJLM  CIV 80 

PSALM   CVII.     No.  1 84 

Psalm  cvii.    No.  2 86 

Psalm  CVII.     No.  3 88 

Psalm  CVII.     No.  4 89 

Psalm  CVII.     No.  5 91 

Psalm  CXIII 93 

Psalm  CXVI 94 

Psalm  CXVII 96 

Psalm  CXXI 97 

Psalm  ^  XXII 99 

Psalm  CXXIV 100 

Psalm  CXXV 102 

Psalm  CXXVI 103 

Psalm  CXXX 105 

Psalm  CXXXI 107 

PSALM  CXXXII.     No.  1 108 

Psalm  CXXXII.     No.  2 109 

Psalm  CXXXIII 110 

Psalm  CXXXIV 112 

Psalm  CXXXVII 113 

Psalm  CXXXVIII 114 

Fsalm  CXXXIX 11* 


Psalm  CXLI U8 

Psalm  CXLII 119 

Psalm  CXLIII 120 

Psalm  CXLIV 122 

Psalm  CXLVIII 124 


jr     PR! 


EI. 


Souss  of  Zion. 


PSALM  I. 


X  hrice  happy  be,  who  shuns  the  way 
That  leads  ungodly  men  astray ; 
Who  fears  to  stand  where  sinners  meet. 
Nor  with  the  scorner  takes  his  seat. 

The  law  of  God  is  his  delight ; 

That  cloud  by  day,  that  fire  by  night, 

Shall  be  his  comfort  in  distress, 

And  guide  him  through  the  wilderness. 

His  works  shall  prosper ; — he  shall  be 
A  fruitful,  fair,  un withering  tree, 

1 


10 

That,  planted  where  the  river  flows, 

Nor  drought,  nor  frost,  nor  mildew  knows. 

Not  so  the  wicked  ; — they  are  cast 
Like  chaff  upon  the  eddying  blast ; 
In  judgment  they  shall  quake  for  dread, 
Nor  with  the  righteous  lift  their  head. 

For  God  hath  spied  their  secret  path, 
And  they  shall  perish  in  his  wrath  ; 
He  too  hath  mark'd  his  people's  road,. 
And  brings  them  to  his  own  abode. 


PSALM  III. 


The  Tempter  to  my  soul  hath  said, 
M  There  is  no  help  in  God  for  thee  :'* 

Lord,  lift  thou  up  thy  servant's  head 
My  glory,  shield,  and  solace  be. 


11 

Thus  to  the  Lord  I  raised  my  cry  : 
He  heard  me  from  his  holy  bill ; 

At  his  command  the  if  ives  roll' J  bv  ; 
He  beckon'd,  and  the  winds  were  still. 

I  laid  me    down  and  slept : — I  woke  ; 

Thou,  Lord,  my  spirit  didst  sustain  ; 
Bright  from  the  east  the  morning  broke. 

Thy  comforts  rose  on  me  again. 

I  will  not  fear,  though  armed  throng* 
Compass  my  steps,  in  all  their  wrath 

Salvation  to  the  Lord  belong-  ; 

His  presence  guards  his  people's  path 


PSALM  IV. 

No.  1. 


How  long,  ye  sons  of  men,  will  ye 
The  servant  of  the  lord  despise. 


12 

Delight  yourselves  with  vanity, 
And  trust  in  refuges  of  lies  ? 

Know  that  the  Lord  hath  set  apart 
The  godly  man  in  every  age ; 

He  loves  a  meek  and  lowly  heart ; 
His  people  are  his  heritage. 

Then  stand  in  awe,  nor  dare  to  sin ; 

Commune  with  your  own  heart ;  be  still 
The  Lord  requireth  truth  within, 

The  sacrifice  of  mind  and  will. 


PSALM  IV. 

No.  2. 


While  many  cry,  in  Nature's  night, 
Ah  !  who  will  show  the  way  to  bliss  ? 

Lord,  lift  on  us  thy  saving  light  ; 
We  seek  no  other  guide  than  this. 


13 

Gladness  thy  sacred  presence  brings 

More  than  the  joyful  reaper  know  -  . 
Or  he  who  treads  the  grapes,  and  sing 
While  with  new  wine  bis  \at  overflow*. 

In  peace  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep  ; 

Thine  arm,  O  Lord,  shall  stay  my  head. 
Thine  angei  spread  his  tent,  and  keep 

His  midnight  watch  around  my  bed. 


PSALM  VIII. 


O  Lord,  our  King,  how  excellent, 
Thy  name  on  earth  is  known ! 

Thy  glory  in  the  firmament 
How  wonderfully  shown  ! 

Yet  are  the  humble  dear  to  Thee  ; 
Thy  praises  are  confest 
1  * 


14 

By  infants  lisping  on  the  knee, 
And  sucklings  at  the  breast. 

When  I  behold  the  heavens  on  high. 

The  work  of  thy  right  hand ; 
The  moon  and  star's  amid  the  sky. 

Thy  lights  in  every  land  : — 

Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  shouldst  deign 

On  him  to  set  thy  love, 
Give  him  on  earth  awhile  to  reign, 

Then  fill  a  throne  above  ? 

0  Lord,  how  excellent  thy  name  J 

How  manifold  thy  ways ! 
Let  Time  thy  saving  truth  proclaim, 

Eternity  thy  praise, 


u 


PSALM  XI. 

The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  place, 

And  from  his  throne  on  high. 
He  looks  npon  the  human  race 

With  omnipresent  eye. 

He  proves  the  righteous,  marks  their  path  : 

In  him  the  weak  are  strong  ; 
But  violence  provokes  hi-  wrath, 

The  Lord  abhorreth  wrong. 

God  on  the  wicked  will  rain  down 
Brimstone,  and  fire,  and  snar°<  ; 

The  gloom  and  tempest  of  bis  frown  : 
— This  portion  shall  be  theirs. 

The  righteous  Lord  will  take  delight 

Alone  in  righteousness  ; 
The  just  are  pleasing  in  his  sight. 

The  humble  He  will  bless. 


j 


16 

PSALM  XIX. 

No.  1. 

Thy  glory,  Lord,  the  heavens  declare, 
The  firmament  displays  thy  skill ; 

The  changing  clouds,  the  viewless  air, 
Tempest  and  calm  thy  word  fulfil ; 

Day  unto  day  doth  utter  speech, 

And  night  to  night  thy  knowledge  teach. 

Though  voice  nor  sound  inform  the  ear, 
Well-known  the  language  of  their  song, 

When  one  by  one  the  stars  appear, 
Led  by  the  silent  moon  along, 

Till  round  the  earth,  from  all  the  sky. 

Thy  beauty  beams  on  every  eye. 

Waked  from  thy  touch,  the  morning  sun 

Comes  like  a  bridegroom  from  his  bower, 
And,  like  a  giant,  glad  to  run 


17 

lli>  blight  career  with  Speed  and  power: 

— Thy  flaming  messenger,  to  dart 

Life  through  the  depth  of  Nature's  heart. 

While  these  transporting  visions  <hine 

Along  the  path  of  Providence, 
Glory  eternal,  joy  divine, 

Thy  word  reveals,  transcending  sense  ; 
— My  soul  thy  goodness  longs  to  see, 
Thy  love  to  man,  thy  love  to  me. 


PSALM  XIX. 

No.  2. 


Thy  law  is  perfect,  Lord  of  light, 

Thy  testimonies  sure  ; 
The  statutes  of  thy  realm  are  right, 

And  thy  commandment  pure . 


! 


18 

Holy,  inviolate  thy  fear, 

Enduring  as  thy  throne  ; 
Thy  judgments,  chastening  or  severe. 

Justice  and  truth  alone. 

More  prized  than  gold, — than  gold  whosf. 
waste 

Refining  fire  expels  ; 
Sweeter  than  honey  to  my  taste, 

Than  honey  from  the  cells. 

Let  these,  O  God,  my  soul  convert. 

And  make  thy  servant  wise, 
Let  these  be  gladness  to  my  heart, 

The  day-spring  to  mine  eyes. 

By  these  may  I  be  warn'd  betimes  ; 

Who  knows  the  guile  within  ? 
Lord,  save  me  from  presumptuous  crimes. 

Cleanse  me  from  secret  sin. 


19 

So  may  the  words  my  lips  express, 
The  thoughts  that  throng  my  mind, 

O  Lord,  my  strength  and  righteousness 
With  thee  acceptance  tind. 


PSALM    XXIII. 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  no  want  shall  I 

know  ; 

I  feed  in  green  pastures,  safe-folded  I  rest ; 

He  leadeth  my  soul  where  the  still  waters 

flow,  [when  opprest 

Restores  me  when  wandering,  redeems 

Through  the  valley  and  shadow   of  death 

though  I  stray,  [fear; 

Since  Thou  art  my  guardian,  no  evil  I 

Thy  rod  shall  defend  me,  thy  staff  be  my 

stay,  [near. 

No  harm  can  befall,  with  my  Comforter 


20 

In  the  midst  of  affliction  my  table  is  spread; 

With  blessings  unmeasured  my  cup  run- 
neth o'er  ;  [head ; 
With  perfume  and  oil  Thou  anointest  my 

O  what  shall  I  ask  of  thy  Providence  more  ? 

Let  goodness  and  mercy,  my  bountiful  God, 

Still  follow  my  steps  till  I  meet  Thee 

above ;  [trod 

I  seek, — by  the  path  which  my  forefathers 

Through  the  land  of  their  sojourn, — thy 

kingdom  of  love. 


PSALM  XXIV. 
No.  1. 


The  earth  is  thine,  Jehovah  ; — thine 
Its  peopled  realms,  and  wealthy  stores ; 


21 

Built  on  the  flood,  by  power  divine, 
The  waves  are  ramparts  to  the  shore  » 

But  who  shall  reach  thine  holy  place, 
Or  who,  O  Lord,  ascend  thine  hill  ? 

The  pure  in  heart  shall  see  thy  face, 
The  perfect  man  that  doth  thy  will. 

He  who  to  bribes  hath  closed  his  hand, 

To  idols  never  bent  the  knee, 
Nor  sworn  in  falsehood, — He  shall  stand 

Redeemed,  and  own'd,  and  kept  by  Thet 


PSALM  XXIV. 

No.  2. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates,  and  wide 
Your  everlasting  doors  display  ; 

^ 


22 

Ye  angel-guards,  like  flames  divide, 
And  give  the  King  of  Glory  way. 

Who  is  the  King  of  Glory?— He, 
The  Lord  Omnipotent  to  save, 

Whose  own  right-arm  in  victory 

Led  captive  death,  and  spoil'd  the  grave. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates,  and  high 
Your  everlasting  portals  heave ; 

Welcome  the  King  of  Glory  nigh ; 

Him  let  the  heaven  of  heavens  receive. 

Who  is  the  King  of  Glory  ?— Who  ? 

The  Lord  of  hosts ; — behold  his  name  ; 
The  kingdom,  power  and  honour  due, 

Yrield  him,  ye  saints,  with  glad  acclaim. 


23 

PSALM  XXVII. 

\  <.  l. 

God  U  m\  strong  salvation, 

What  foe  have  I  to  fear  ? 
In  darkness  and  temptation, 

My  light,  my  help  is  near  : 
Though  hosts  encamp  around  me. 

Firm  to  the  fight  I  stand  ; 
What  terror  can  confound  me, 

With  God  at  my  right-hand  ? 

Place  on  the  Lord  reliance, 

My  soul,  with  courage  wait ; 
His  truth  be  thine  affiance, 

When  faint  and  desolate  ; 
His  might  thine  heart  -hall  strengthea, 

His  love  thy  joy  increase  ; 
Mercy  thy  days  shall  lengthen  ; 

— The  Lord  will  give  thee  pear* 


24 

PSALM  XXVII. 

No.  2. 

One  thing",  with  all  my  soul's  desire, 

I  sought  and  wiB  pursue  ; 
What  thine  own  Spirit  doth  inspire. 

Lord,  for  thy  servant  do. 

Grant  me  within  thy  courts  a  place. 

Among  thy  saints  a  seat, 
For  ever  to  behold  ihy  face, 

And  worship  at  thy  feet : — 

In  thy  pavilion  to  abide, 

When  storms  of  trouble  blow, 

And  in  thy  tabernacle  hide, 
Secure  from  every  foe. 

"  Seek  ye  my  face  ;" — without  delay, 
When  thus  I  hear  Thee  speak^ 


23 

lfj  hear!  iroidd  leap  forjoy,  and  Bay, 

u  Thy  lace.  Lord,  will  1  seek.'1 

Then  leave  me  not  when  gri<  6  assail, 

I  earthly  comforts  tiee  ; 
Wh<   i  I  ither.  mother,  kindred  tail. 
My  God,  remember  me. 

Oft  had  I  fainted,  and  resigned 

Of  every  hope  my  hold. 
But  mine  afflictions  brought  to  mind 

Thy  benefits  of  old. 

Wait  on  the  Lord,  with  courage  wait. 

My  soul,  disdain  to  fear  : 
The  righteous  judge  is  at  the  gate. 

And  thy  redemption  near. 


0    * 


26 


PSALM  XXIX. 

Give  glory  to  God  in  the  highest ;  give  praise, 
Ye  nob]  nai  ghty,  with  joyful  accord  ; 

AU-wise    arc    his    counsels,    all-perfect   his 
ways ; 

In  the  beauty  of  holiness  worship  the  Lord. 

The  voice  of  the  Lord  on  the  ocean  is  known, 
The  God  of  eternity  thundereth  abroad ; 

The  voice  of  the  Lord,  from  the  depth  of 
his  throne, 
Is  terror  and  power ; — all  nature  is  awed. 

At  the  voice  of  the  Lord  the  cedars  are  bow'd, 

And  towers  from  their  base  into  ruin  are 

hurl'd ; 

The  voice  of  the  Lord,  from  the  dark  bo- 

som'd  cloud,  [world. 

Pissevers  the  lightning  in  flames  o'er  the 


27 

See  Lebanon  bound,  like  the  kid  on  hifl  rocks. 

And  wild  as  the  unicorn  Sirion  appear  ; 
The  wilderness  quakes   with   the   resonant 
shock- :  [of  fear. 

The  hinds  cast  their  young  in  the  travail 

The  voice  of  the  Lord  through  the  calm  of 

the  wood,  [it<  cai  es  ; 

Awakens  its  echoes  strikes  light  through 

The  Lord  sitteth  King  on  the  turbulent  flood  ; 

The  winds  are  his  servants,  his  servant* 

the  waves. 

The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  his  people  ;  the 

Lord  [evermore ; 

Gives   health   to   his   people,    and   peace 

Then  throng  to  his  temple,  his  glory  record, 

But,  O  !    when  He  speaketh,   in  silence 

adore. 


28 


PSALM  XXX. 

Yea,  I  will  extol  Thee, 

Lord  of  life  and  light, 
For  thine  arm  upheld  me, 

Tunfd  my  foes  to  flight : 
I  implored  thy  succour, 

Thou  wert  swift  to  save. 
Heal  my  wounded  spirit, 

Bring  me  from  the  grave. 

Sing,  ye  saints,  sing  praises. 

Call  his  love  to  mind, 
For  a  moment  angry, 

But  for  ever  kind ; 
Grief  may,  like  a  pilgrim, 

Through  the  night  sojourn, 
Yet  shall  joy  to-morrow 

With  the  sun  return. 


29 

In  my  wealth  I  vaunted. 

u  Nought  shall  move  me  hence  ;'* 
Thou  hadst  made  my  mountain 

Strong  in  thy  defence  : 
— Then  thy  face  was  hidden, 

Trouhle  laid  me  low, 
a  Lord,?'  I  cried  most  humbly, 

"  Why  forsake  me  so  ? 

M  Would  my  blood  appease  Thee, 

In  atonement  shed  ? 
Can  the  dust  give  glory, — 

Praise  employ  the  dead? 
Hear  me,  Lord,  in  mercy ; 

God,  my  helper,  hear  :* 
— Long  thou  didst  not  tarry, 

Help  and  health  were  near. 

Thou  hast  turned  my  mourning 
Into  minstrelsy, 


30 

Girded  me  with  gladness, 
Set  from  thraldom  free  f 

Thee  my  ransom'd  powers 
Henceforth  shall  adore, — 

Thee,  my  great  Deliverer. 
Bless  for  evermore. 


PSALM  XXXIX. 

Lord,  let  me  know  mine  end, 
My  days,  how  brief  their  date, 

That  I  may  timely  comprehend 
How  frail  my  best  estate. 

My  life  is  but  a  span, 

Mine  age  as  nought  with  Thee  ; 
Man,  in  his  highest  honour,  man 

h  dust  and  vanity. 


31 


A  shadow  even  in  health, 

Disquieted  with  pride, 
Or  rack'd  with  care,  he  heaps  up  wealth 

Which  unknown  heirs  divide. 

What  seek  I  now,  O  Lord? 

My  hope  is  in  thy  name  ; 
Blot  out  my  sins  from  thy  record, 

Nor  give  me  up  to  shame. 

Dumb  at  thy  feet  I  lie, 

For  Thou  hast  brought  me  low  ; 
Remove  thy  judgments,  lest  I  die  ; 

I  faint  beneath  thy  blow. 

At  thy  rebuke,  the  bloom 

Of  man's  vain  beauty  flies ; 
And  grief  shall,  like  a  moth,  consume 

All  that  delights  our  e\< >g 


32 

Have  pity  on  my  fears, 

Harken  to  my  request, 
Turn  not  in  silence  from  my  tears. 

But  give  the  mourner  rest. 

A  stranger,  Lord,  with  Thee, 

I  walk  on  pilgrimage, 
Where  all  my  fathers  once,  like  me, 

Sojourn'd  from  age  to  age. 

O  spare  me  yet,  I  pray  ; 

Awhile  my  strength  restore, 
Ere  I  am  summonM  hence  away, 

And  seen  on  earth  no  more. 


33 

PSALM  XLII. 

No.  1. 

As  the  hart,  with  eager  look*, 
Panteth  for  the  water-brooks, 
So  my  soul,  athirst  for  Thee, 
Pants  the  living  God  to  see ; 
When,  O  when,  with  filial  fear, 
Lord,  shall  I  to  Thee  draw  near? 

Tears  my  food  by  night,  by  day 
Grief  consumes  my  strength  away ; 
While  his  craft  the  Tempter  plies, 
i;  Where  is  now  thy  God  ?:?  he  cries ; 
This  would  sink  me  to  despair, 
But  I  pour  my  soul  in  prayer. 

For  in  happier  times  I  went, 
Where  the  multitude  frequent ; 


34 

I,  frith  them,  was  wont  to  bring 
Hom-ige  to  thy  courts,  my  King  ; 
L  w  th  them,  was  wont  to  raise 
Festal  hymns  on  holy  days. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul? 
God,  thy  God,  shall  make  the  whole; 
Why  art  thou  disquieted  ? 
God  shall  lift  thy  fallen  head ; 
And  his  countenance  benign 
Be  the  saving  health  of  thine. 


PSALM  XLII. 

No.  2. 


Hearken,  Lord,  to  my  complaints, 
For  my  soul  within  me  faints ; 
Thee,  far  off,  I  call  to  mind, 
la  the  land  1  left  behind, 


35 

Where  the  streams  i  r,<  m, 

Where  the  heights  of  Hermon  gtow 

Tempest-tost,  my  (ailing  bark 

Founder^  on  the  ocean  d 
Deep  to  deep  around  me  calls. 
With  the  rush  of  water-falls ; 
While  I  plunge  to  low?r  cav<  9, 
Overwhilm'd  by  all  th\ 

Once  the  morning's  earliest  light 
Brought  thy  mercy  to  my  sight, 
And  my  wakeful  song  was  heard 
Later  than  the  evening  bird ; 
Hast  Thou  all  my  prayers  for  rot  ? 
Dost  Thou  scorn,  or  hear  them 

Why.  my  soul,  art  thou  perplext? 
Why  with  faithless  trouble  \  i 
Hope  in  God.  whoso  saying  name 
Thou  shalt  joyfully  proclaim. 


36 

When  his  countenance  shall  shine 
Through  the  clouds  that  darken  thine. 


PSALM  XLIII. 

[Continuation  of  Psalm  XLII.] 
No.  3. 

t 

Judge  me,  Lord,  in  righteousness; 
Plead  for  me  in  my  distress ; 
Good  and  merciful  Thou  art, 
Bind  this  bleeding,  broken  heart ; 
Cast  me  not  despairing  hence, 
Be  thy  love  my  confidence. 

Send  thy  light  and  truth,  to  guide 
Me,  too  prone  to  turn  aside, 
On  thy  holy  hill  to  rest, 
In  thy  tabernacles  blest; 
There,  to  God,  my  chiefest  joy, 
Praise  shall  all  my  powers  employ. 


37 

Why.  niv  soul,  art  thou  dismay 'd1 
of  earth  or  hell  afi 

Trust  in  God; — dwlain  to  yield, 
While  o'er  thee  He  casts  his  shield. 

And  his  countenance  dil     i 

Sheds  the  light  of  Heaven  on  thine 


PSALM    XLVL 

No.  1. 

God  is  our  refuge  and  defence. 

In  trouble  our  unfailing  aid ; 
Secure  in  his  omnipotence, 

What  foe  can  make  our  soul  afraid? 

Yea,  though  the  earth's  foundations  rock. 

And  mountains  down  the  gulf  be  hurl'd. 
His  people  smile  amid  the  shock, 

They  look  beyond  this  transient  world 

3* 


38 

There  is  a  river  pure  and  bright,     [plains  ; 

Whose  streams  make  glad  the  heavenly 
Where,  in  eternity  of  light, 

The  city  of  our  God  remains. 

Built  by  the  word  of  his  command, 
With  his  unclouded  presence  blest, 

Firm  as  his  throne  the  bulwarks  stand ; 
There  is  our  home,  our  hope,  our  rest. 

Thither  let  fervent  faith  aspire  ; 

Our  treasure  and  our  heart  be  there ; 
O  for  a  seraph's  wing  of  fire  1 

No, — on  the  mightier  wings  of  prayer, — 

We  reach  at  once  that  last  retreat, 

And,  ranged  among  the  ransomM  throng, 

Fall  with  the  Elders  at  his  feet, 

Whose  name  alone  inspires  their  song. 


58 

Ah.  900*;  how  -non!  OUT  Spirit!  droop: 

(Tnwont  the  air  of  heaven  to  breathe 

Yet  God  in  very  deed  mil  stoop, 
And  dwell  Himself  with  men  beneath 

Come  to  thy  living  temples,  then. 
As  in  the  ancient  times  appear : 

Let  earth  he  paradise  again. 

And  man,  O  God.  thine  image  here. 


PSALM   XLVI. 

No.  2. 

Come  and  behold  the  works  of  God, 
What  desolations  Ke  will  make  ; 
In  vengeance,  when  he  wields  his  rod, 
The  heathen  rage,  their  kingdoms  quake  : 
He  utters  forth  his  voic^  : — 'tis  felt; 
Like  wax  the  world's  foundations  melt ; 


40 

The  Lord  of  hosts  is  in  the  field, 
The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  shield. 

Again  He  maketh  wars  to  cease, 

He  breaks  the  bow,  unpoints  the  spear, 
And  burns  the  chariot ; — joy  and  peace 
In  all  his  glorious  march  appear : 
Silence,  O  earth  !  thy  Maker  own ; 
Ye  Gentiles,  He  is  God  alone ; 
The  Lord  of  hosts  is  in  the  held, 
The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  shield. 


PSALM  XLVII. 

Extol  the  Lord,  the  Lord  most  high, 

King  over  all  the  earth  ; 
Exalt  his  triumphs  to  the  sky 

In  songs  of  sacred  mirth. 

"VVhere'er  the  sea-ward  rivers  run, 
His  banner  shall  advance, 


u 

And  every  realm  beneath  the  sun 
Be  his  inheritance. 

God  is  gone  op  n  I  acclaim. 

And  trumpets  voice  ; 

Sing  ;  ,  s     r  praises  to  his  name  j 

Sing  prai-es,  and  rejoice. 

Sing  praises  to  our  God;  sing  praise 

To  every  creature"-  K 
His  wondrous  w       -.      -  glorious  ways. 

All  tongues,  ail  kindred  sing. 

God  -its  upon  his  holy  throne, 
God  o'er  the  heathen  reigns; 

Hi-  troth  through  all  v.    w  >r Id  is  known. 
That  troth  his  throne  - 

Prince*  around  his  toot-tool  throng, 
Kin^s  in  the  dust  adore ; 


42 

Earth  and  her  shields  to  God  belong: 
Sing  praises  evermore. 


PSALM  XLVIII. 

Jehovah  is  great,  and  great  be  his  praise ; 

In  the  city  of  God  He  is  king; 
Proclaim  ye  his  triumphs  in  jubilant  lays, 

On  the  mount  of  his  holiness  sing. 

The  joy  of  the   earth,  from  her  beautiful 
height, 

Is  Zion?s  impregnable  hill ; 
The  Lord  in  her  temple  still  taketh  delight, 

God  reigns  in  her  palaces  still. 

At  the  si^ht  of  her  splendour,  the  kings  of 
the  earth 
Grew  pale  with  amazement  and  dread  ; 


43 

Fear  seized  them  like  pangs  of  a  premature 
birth  ; 
They  came,  they  beheld  her,  and  fled. 

Thou  breakest  the  ships  from  the  sea-circled 
climes, 
When  the  storm  of  thy  jealousy  lowers ; 
As  our  fathers  have  told  of  thy  deeds,  in 
their  times, 
So,  Lord,  have  we  witnessed  in  ours. 

In  the  midst  of  thy  temple,  O  God,  hath  our 
mind 
Remember'd  thy  mercy  of  old  ; 
Let  thy  name,  like  thy  praise,  to  no  realm 
be  confined; 
Thy  power  may  all  nations  behold. 

Let  the  daughters  of  Judah  be  glad  for  thy 
love,  * 

The  mountain  of  Zion  rejoice, 


44 

For  Thou  wilt  establish  her  seat  from  above, 
— Wilt  make  her  the  throne  of  thy  choice. 

Go,  walk  about  Zion,  and  measure  the  length, 
Her  walls  and  her  bulwarks  mark  well ; 

Contemplate  her  palaces,  glorious  in  strength, 
Her  towers  and  their  pinnacles  tell. 

Then    say  to  your   children; — Our   strong 
hold  is  tried ; 

This  God  is  our  God  to  the  end  ; 
His  people  for  ever  his  counsels  shall  guide, 

His  arm  shall  for  ever  defend. 


PSALM  LI. 


Have  mercy  on  me,  O  my  God, 

oving  kindness  hear  my  prayer; 
raw  the  terror  of  thy  r<  d; 
Lord,  in  thy  tender  mercy  spare. 


4^ 

Offences  rise  where'er  Hook; 

But  I  confess  their  guilt  to  Thee  ; 
Blot  my  transgressions  from  thy  book. 

Cleanse  me  from  mine  iniquity. 

Whither  from  vengeance  can  I  run? 

Just  are  thy  judgments,  Lord,  and  right 
For  all  the  evil  I  have  done, 

I  did  it  only  in  thy  sight. 

Shapen  in  frailt}',  born  in  sin, 
From  error  how  shall  I  depart? 

Lo,  thou  requirest  truth  within  ; 

Lord,  write  thy  truth  upon  my  heart. 

Me  through  the  blood  of  sprinkling  make 
Pure  from  defilement,  white  as  snow ; 

Heal  me  for  my  Redeemers  sake ; 
Then  joy  and  gladness  I  shall  know. 

\ 


46 

A  perfect  heart  in  me  create. 
Renew  my  soul  in  innocence; 

Cast  not  the  suppliant  from  thy  gate, 
]>7or  take  thine  Holy  Spirit  hence. 

Thy  consolations,  as  of  old, 

Now  to  my  troubled  mind  restore  ; 
By  thy  free  Spirit's  might  uphold 

And  guide  my  steps,  to  fall  no  more. 

Then  sinners  will  I  teach  thy  ways, 
And  rebels  to  thy  sceptre  bring ; 

— Open  my  lips,  O  God,  in  praise, 
So  shall  my  mouth  thy  goodness  sing. 

Not  streaming  blood,  nor  purging  fire 
Thy  righteous  af:ger  can  appease; 

vi  dost  not  require, 
Or  g  ouid  render  these. 


The  broken  heart  in  sacrifii  e, 

Alone  may  thii 
Mv  heart.  0  God,  do  Q<  I 

Broken  and  contrite,  at  thy  feet. 


PSALM  LXIIL 

O  God,  Thou  art  my  God  alone. 

Early  to  thee  my  90ul  shall  en. 
A  pilgrim  in  a  land  unknown, 

A  thirsty  land  whose  springs  are  dry. 

O  that  it  were  as  it  hath  heen, 
When,  praying  in  the  holy  place. 

Thy  power  and  glory  1  have  ->een, 
And  marked  the  footsteps  of  thy  gi  \& 

Yet  through  this  rough  and  thorny  maze. 
I  follow  hard  on  thee,  my  God ; 


48 

Thine  hand  unseen  upholds  my  ways, 
I  safely  tread  where  Thou  hast  trod. 

Thee,  in  the  watches  of  the  night, 

When  I  remember  on  my  bed, 
Thy  presence  makes  the  darkness  light, 

Thy  guardian  wings  are  round  my  head. 

Better  than  life  itself  thy  love, 

Dearer  than  all  beside  to  me  ; 
For  whom  have  I  in  heaven  above, 

Or  what  on  earth,  compared  with  Thee  ? 

Praise  with  my  heart,  my  mind,  my  voice, 

For  all  thy  mercy  I  will  give  ; 
My  soul  shaii  still  in  God  rejoice, 

Mv  tongue  shall  bless  Thee  while  I  live. 


49 


PSALM    LXIX. 

God,  he  merciful  to  me. 

For  my  spirit  trusts  in  T 

And  to  thee  her  refug       ,     ogs; 

Be  the  shadow  of  th 

Round  the  trembling  linnei  cast, 

Till  the  storm  is  overpast 

From  the  water-floods  that  roll 
Deep  and  deeper  round  my  soul, 
Me,  thine  arm  almighty  take, 
For  thy  loving  kindness'  sake  ; 
If  thy  truth  from  me  depart, 
Thy  rebuke  would  break  my  heart. 

Foes  increase,  they  close  me  round, 
Friend  nor  comforter  is  found  ; 

Sore  temptations  no 

Hope,  and  strength,  and  courage  fail; 
4  * 


50 

Turn  not  from  thy  servant's  grief, 
Hasten,  Lord,  to  my  relief. 

Poor  and  sorrowful  am  I ; 
Set  me.  O  my  God,  on  high  ; 
Wonders  Thou  for  me  ha*t  wrought  ; 
Nigh  to  death  my  soul  is  brought  ; 
Save  me.  Lord,  in  mercy  save. 
Lest  I  sink  below  the  grave. 


PSALM  LXX. 

Hasten.  Lord,  to  my  release, 
Haste  to  help  me,  O  my  God  ! 

Foes,  like  armed  bands,  increase  ; 
Turn  them  back  the  way  they  trod 

Dark  temptations  round  me  press. 
Evil  thoughts  my  soul  assail  ; 


M 

Doubts  and  fears,  in  m\  dista  at 

Rise,  till  flesh  and  -|>irit  fail. 

Those  that  seek  Thee  shall  rejoice  : 

1  am  bow'd  with  misery; 
Vet  I  make  thy  law  my  choice  ; 

Turn,  my  God,  and  look  on  me 

Thou  mine  only  Helper  art, 
My  Redeemer  from  the  grave  ; 

Strength  of  my  desiring  heart, 
Do  not  tarry,  haste  to  save 


PSALM  LXXL 

Lord,  I  have  put  my  trust  in  Thee, 
Turn  not  my  confidence  to  shame  ; 

Thy  promise  is  a  rock  to  me, 
A  tower  of  refuge  is  thy  name 


52 

Thou  hast  upheld  me  from  the  womb ; 

Thou  wert  my  strength  and  hope  in  youth  ; 
Now,  trembling,  bending    o'er  the  tomb, 

I  lean  upon  thine  arm  of  truth. 

Though  I  have  long  outlived  my  peers, 
And  stand  amid  the  world  alone, 

(A  stranger,  left  by  former  years,) 
I  know  my  god, — by  him  am  known. 

Cast  me  not  off  in  mine  old  age, 
Forsake  me  not  in  my  last  hour ; 

The  foe  hath  not  forgone  his  rage, 
The  lion  ravens  to  devour. 

Not  far,  my  God,  not  far  remove  : 

Sin  and  the  world  still  spread  their  snares  ; 

Stand  by  me  now,  or  they  will  prove 
Too  crafty  yet  for  my  grey  hairs. 


Me,    through    what    troubles    bast    Thou 

gh1 ! 
Me,  with  what  consolations  crown'd  ! 
Non  be  thj  last  deliverance  wrought; 
Mj  soul  in  peace  with  Thee  be  found 


PSALM  LXX1I 

Jl  ul  to  the  lord's  anointed  ! 

Great  David's  greater  Son  j 
Hail,  in  the  time  appointed, 

His  reign  on  earth  begun  ! 
He  comes  to  break  oppression. 

To  let  the  captive  iree  ; 
To  take  away  transgression, 

And  rule  in  equity. 

He  come-,  with  succour  speedy, 
To  those  who  sutler  wrong: 


54 

To  help  the  poor  and  needy, 
And  bid  the  weak  be  strong ; 

To  give  them  songs  for  sighing, 
Their  darkness  turn  to  light, 

Whose  souls,  condemn'd  and  dying. 
Were  precious  in  his  sight. 

By  such  shall  He  be  feared, 

While  sun  and  moon  endure. 
Beloved,  obey'd,  revered  ; 

For  He  shall  judge  the  poor, 
Through  changing  generations, 

With  justice,  mercy,  truth, 
While  stars  maintain  their  stations, 

Or  moons  renew  their  youth. 

He  shall  come  down,  like  showers 

Upon  the  fruitful  earth, 
And  love,  joy,  hope,  like  flowers, 

Spring  in  his  path  to  birth  : 


I'm  lore  Him,  on  the  mountain6- 
Shall  Peace  the  herald  go; 

\ii.l  righteousness  in  fountains 
From  hill  to  valley  flow. 

Arabia's  desert-ranger, 

To  him  shall  bow  the  knee  ; 
The  Ethiopian  stranger 

His  glory  come  to  see  ; 
With  offerings  of  devotion, 

Ships  from  the  isle-  shall  meet, 
To  pour  the  wealth  of  ocean 

In  tribute  at  his  feet, 

Kings  shall  fall  down  before  Him, 
And  Gold  and  incense  bring  ; 

All  nation-  shall  adore  him, 
His  praise  all  people  sing  j 

For  He  shall  have  dominion 
O'er  river,  sea,  and  shore, 


56 

For  as  the  eagle's  pinion, 

Or  dove's  light  wing  can  soar. 

For  Him  shall  prayer  unceasing, 

And  daily  vows,  ascend  ; 
His  kingdom  still  increasing, 

A  kingdom  without  end  : 
The  mountain-dews  shall  nourish 

A  seed  in  weakne-s  sown. 
Whose  fruit  shall  spread  and  flouri-h.* 

And  shake  like  Lehanon. 

O'er  every  foe  victorious. 

He  on  his  throne  shall  rest, 
From  age  to  age  more  gloriou?, 

All-blessing  and  ail-hiest  : 
The  tide  of  time  shall  never 

His  covenant  remove  ; 
His  name  shall  stand  for  ever  : 

That  name  to  us  is — Love. 


57 


PSALM  LXXII1. 

Truly  the  Lord  is  good  to  those, 

The  pure  in  heart,  who  love  his  name  ; 

But  as  for  me,  temptation  rose, 

And  well-nigh  cast  me  down  to  shame. 

For  I  was  envious  at  their  state, 
When  I  beheld  the  wicked  rise, 

And  flourish  in  their  pride  elate, 
No  fear  of  death  before  their  eye*. 

Not  troubled  they,  as  others  are, 

Nor  plagued,  with  all  their  vain  pretence  ; 
Pride  like  a  chain  of  gold  they  wear, 

And  clothe  themselves  with  violence. 

Swoln  are  their  eyes  with  wine  and  lust, 
For  more  than  heart  can  wish  have  they ; 


58 

fa  fraud  and  tyranny  they  trust 
To  make  the  multitude  their  prey. 

Their   mouth   assails   the    heavens ;    their 
tongue 

Walks  arrogantly  through  the  earth  ; 
Pleasure's  full  cups  to  them  are  wrung ; 

They  reel  in  revelry  and  mirth. 

;t  Who  is  the  Lord,  that  we  should  fear, 
Lest  He  our  dark  devices  know  ? 

Who  the  Most  High,  that  He  should  hear, 
Or  heed,  the  words  of  men  below  P' 

Thus  cry  the  mockers,  flushM  with  health, 
Exulting  while  their  joys  increase  ; 

These  are  the  ungodly  ;-men,  whose  wealth 
Flows  like  a  river,  ne'er  to  cease. 

And  have  I  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain, 
And  wash'd  in  innocence  my  hands  ? 


59 

All  day  afflicted,  I  complain, 

All  night  I  mourn  in  straitening  bands 

Too  painlul  this  for  me  to  view, 
Till  to  thy  temple,  Lord,  I  went, 

And  then  their  fearful  end  I  knew, 
How  suddenly  their  light  is  spent. 

Surely  in  slippery  places  set, 

Down  to  perdition  these  are  huiTd  ; 

Snared  in  the  toils  of  their  own  net, 
A  spectacle  to  all  the  world. 

As,  from  a  dream  when  one  awakes, 
The  phantoms  of  the  brain  take  flight : 

So  when  thy  wrath  in  thunder  breaks, 
Their  image  shall  dissolve  in  night. 

AbashM,  my  folly  then  I  saw ; 

I  seemed  before  Thee  like  a  brute  : 


60 

Smit  to  the  heart,  o'erwhelm'd  with  awe, 
I  bow'd,  and  worshipp'd,  and  was  mute. 

Yet  Thou  art  ever  at  my  side  ; 

O,  still  uphold  me,  and  defend  ; 
Me  by  thy  counsel  Thou  shalt  guide, 

And  bring  to  glory  in  the  end. 

Whom  have  I,  Lord,  in  heaven  but  Thee  ? 

On  earth  shall  none  divide  my  heart ; 
Then  fail  my  flesh,  my  spirit  flee, 

Thou  mine  eternal  portion  art. 


PSALM  LXXVII. 

In  time  of  tribulation, 

Hear,  Lord,  my  feeble  cries  ; 
With  humble  supplication, 

To  Thee  my  spirit  flies ; 


Mv  heart  with  grief  iff  breaking. 

Scarce  can  my  voice  complain  ; 
Mine  eyea  with  tears  kept  waking, 

Still  watch  and  weep  in  vain. 

The  days  of  old,  in  vision, 

Bring  vanished  bliss  to  view  ; 
The  years  of  lost  fruition 

Their  joys  in  pangs  renew  : 
Remember'd  songs  of  gladness, 

Through  night's  lone  silence  brought. 
Strike  notes  of  deeper  sao^ness, 

And  stir  desponding  thought. 

Hath  God  cast  off  for  ever  ? 

Can  time  his  truth  impair? 
His  tender  mercy,  never 

Shall  I  presume  to  share  ? 
Hath  He,  his  loving  kindne-s 

Shut  up  in  endless  wrath  ? 

5* 


id 


62 

— No  ; — this  is  mine  own  blindness, 
That  cannot  see  his  path. 

I  call  to  recollection 

The  years  of  his  right  hand  ; 
And,  strong  in  his  protection, 

Again  through  faith  I  stand  ; 
Thy  deeds,  O  Lord,  are  wonder  ; 

Holy  are  all  thy  ways  ; 
The  secret  place  of  thunder 

Shall  utter  forth  thy  praise. 

Thee,  with  the  tribes  assembled, 

O  God,  the  billows  saw ; 
They  saw  Thee,  and  they  trembled, 

Tunrd,  and  stood  still,  with  awe  ; 
The  clouds  shot  hail — they  lightened  ; 

The  earth  reePd  to  and  fro  ; 
The  fiery  pillar  brighten'd 

The  gulf  of  gloom  below, 


03 

Thy  way  i-  in  great  wn*. 

Th\  footsteps  are  do1  known  . 
Let  Adam's  Bona  and  daughters 

Confide  in  Thee  alone  : 
Through  the  wild  sea  Thou  leddest 

Thy  chosen  flock  of  yore, 
Still  on  the  wave-  Thou  treadest, 

And  thy  redeem'd  pass  o'er. 


PSALM  LXXX. 

Of  old,  O  God.  thine  own  right  hand 
A  plea-ant  vine  did  plant  and  train  : 

Above  the  hills,  o'er  all  the  land. 

It  -ought  the  sun,  and  drank  the  rain. 

Its  boughs  like  goodly  cedars  spread, 
Forth  to  the  river  went  the  root ; 

Perennial  verdure  crown'd  its  head. 
It  bore,  in  every  season,  fruit 


64 

That  vine  is  desolate  and  torn, 
Its  scions  in  the  dust  are  laid ; 

Rank  o'er  the  ruin  springs  the  thorn, 
The  wild  boar  wallows  in  the  shade, 

Lord  God  of  Hosts,  thine  ear  incline, 
Change  into  songs  thy  people's  fears  ; 

Return,  and  visit  this  thy  vine, 

Revive  thy  work  amidst  the  years. 

The  plenteous  and  continual  dew 
Of  thj  rich  biessing  here  descend ; 

So  shall  thy  vine  its  leaf  renew, 

Till  o'er  the  earth  its  branches  bend 

Then  shall  it  flourish  wide  and  far, 

While  realms  beneath  its  shadow  rest  : 

The  morning  and  the  evening  star 

Shall  mark  its  bounds  from  east  to  west 


65 

So  v!inll  thine  enemies  be  dumb. 

Thy  banished  ones  no  more  ensla\ed. 
The  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  come, 

And  Israel's  youngest  born  be  saved. 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 

How  amiable,  how  fair, 

O  Lord  of  Hosts,  to  me, 
Thy  tabernacles  are  ! 

My  flesh  cries  out  for  Thee  ; 
My  heart  and  soul,  with  heaven-ward  fire, 
To  Thee,  the  living  God,  aspire. 

The  sparrow  here  finds  place 

To  build  her  little  nest ; 
The  swallow's  wandering  race 

Hither  return  and  rest ; 
Beneath  thy  roof  their  young  ones  en 
And  round  thine  altar  learn  to  fly. 


66 

Thrice-blessed  they  who  dwell 

Within  thine  house,  my  God, 
Where  daily  praises  swell, 

And  still  the  floor  is  trod 
By  those,  who  in  thy  presence  bow, 
By  those,  whose  King  and  God  art  Thou. 

Through  Baca's  arid  vale, 

As  pilgrims  when  they  pass, 
The  well-springs  never  fail, 

Fresh  rain  renews  the  grass ; 
From  strength  to  strength  they  journey  still. 
Till  all  appear  on  Zion's  hill. 

Lord  God  of  Hosts,  give  ear, 

A  gracious  answer  yield  ; 
O  God  of  Jacob,  hear  ; 

Behold,  O  God,  our  shield  ; 
Look  on  thine  own  Anointed  One, 
And  save  through  thy  beioved  Son. 


67 

Loid,  I  would  rather  stand 

A  keeper  at  thy  gate. 
Than  on  the  king'?  right  hand 

In  tt*nt>  of  worldh  >tate  ; 
One  day  within  thy  courts,  one  da]  . 
Is  worth  a  thousand  cast  away. 

God  is  a  sun  of  light, 

Glory  and  grace  to  shed  : 
God  is  a  shield  of  might, 

To  guard  the  faithful  head  : 
O  Lord  of  Hosts,  how  happy  he. 
The  man  who  puts  his  trust  in  Thee 


P^ALM   XC 


Lord.  Thou  hast  been  thy  people's  re^t 
Through  all  their  generations, 

Their  refuge  when  by  danger  prest. 
Their  hope  in  tribulations  ; 


68 

Thou,  ere  the  mountains  sprang  to  birth. 
Or  ever  Thou  hadst  fornvd  the  earth, 
Art  God  from  everlasting. 

The  sons  of  men  return  to  clay, 
When  Thou  the  word  hast  spoken, 

As  with  a  torrent  borne  away, 
Gone  like  a  dream  when  broken  : 

A  thousand  years  are,  in  thy  sight. 

But  as  a  watch  amid  the  night, 
Or  yesterday  departed. 

At  morn,  we  flourish  like  the  grass 
With  dew  and  sunbeams  lighted, 

But  ere  the  cool  of  evening  pass, 
The  rich  array  is  blighted : 

Thus  do  thy  chastisements  consume 

Youth's  tender  leaf  and  beauty's  bloom ; 
We  fade  at  thy  displeasure. 


69 

Oaf  life  is  like  the  transient  breath 
That  tells  a  mournful  story, 

Early  or  late,  stop*  short  by  death  ; 
And  irhere  is  all  our  glory ! 

Our  days  are  threescore  years  and  ten. 

And  if  the  span  he  lengthened  then. 
Their  strength  is  toil  and  sorrow. 

Lo.  Thou  hast  set  before  thine  eyes 
All  our  misdeeds  and  errors  ; 

Our  secret  sin*  from  darkness  rise, 
At  thine  awakening  terrors  : 

Who  Bhall  abide  the  trying  hour  ? 

Who  knows  the  thunder  of  thy  power? 
We  flee  unto  thy  mercy. 

Lord,  teach  us  so  to  mark  our  days, 
That  we  may  prize  them  duly  ; 

So  guide  our  feet  in  Wisdom's  ways, 
That  we  may  love  thee  truly  : 
6 


70 

Return,  O  Lord,  our  griefs  behold, 
And  with  thy  goodness,  as  of  old, 
O  satisfy  us  early. 

Restore  our  comforts  as  our  fears, 

Our  joy  as  our  affliction  ; 
Give  to  thy  Church,  through  changing  year?, 

Increasing  benediction ; 
Thy  glorious  beauty  there  reveal^ 
And  with  thy  perfect  image  seal 

Thy  servants  and  their  labours. 


PSALM  XCI. 


Call  Jehovah  thy  salvation, 

Rest  beneath  the  Almighty's  shade * 
In  his  secret  habitation 

Dwell,  nor  ever  be  dismay'd  : 
There  no  tumult  can  alarm  thee, 

Thou  shalt  dread  no  hidden  snare,* 


71 

Sidle  nor  violence  can  harm  thee. 
In  eternal  safeguard  there. 

From  the  sword  at  ooon-daj  wast 

From  the  noisome  pestilence, 
In  the  depth  of  midnight  blastii  g, 

God  shall  he  thy  sore  defence  : 
Fear  not  thou  the  deadly  quiver, 

When  a  thousand  feel  the  bl<  \\ 
Mercy  shall  thy  soul  deliver. 

Though  ten  thousand  he  laid  low 

Only  with  thine  eye.  the  anguish 

Of  the  wicked  thou  shalt  see, 
When  by  slow  disease  they  languish, 

When  they  perish  suddenly  : 
Thee,  though  winds  and  waves  he  swelling, 

God,  thine  hope,  shall  bear  through  ail ; 
Plague  shall  not  come  nigh  thy  dwelling, 

Thee  no  evil  shall  befall 


r, 


72 

He  shall  charge  his  angel-legions, 

Watch  and  ward  o'er  thee  to  keep, 
Though  thou  walk  through  hostile  regions. 

Though  in  desert-wilds  thou  sleep  ; 
On  the  lion  vainly  roaring, 

On  his  young,  thy  foot  shall  tread, 
And,  the  dragon's  den  exploring, 

Thou  shalt  bruise  the  serpent's  head 

Since,  with  pure  and  firm  affection, 

Thou  on  God  hast  set  thy  love, 
With  the  wings  of  his  protection, 

He  will  shield  thee  from  above  : 
Thou  shalt  call  on  Him  in  trouble, 

He  will  hearken,  He  will  save, 
Here  for  grief  reward  thee  double, 

Grown  with  life  beyond  the  grave. 


'■  ■»  —   »  '•< 


73 


PSALM  \(  III. 

The  Lord  is  King  ; — upon  his  throne. 
He  sits  in  garments  glorious  ; 

Or  girds  lor  war  his  armour  on. 

In  every  field  victorious  ; 
The  world  came  forth  at  his  command  ; 
Built  on  his  worth  it-  pillars  stand  ; 

They  never  c;»n  be  -haken. 

The  Lord  wa-  King  ere  time  began. 

His  reign  is  everlasting  ; 
When  high  the  floods  in  tumult  ran, 

Their  loam  to  heaven  up-casting, 
He  made  the  raging  waves  his  path  : 
— The  ?ea  is  mighty  in  it-  wrath, 

But  God  on  high  is  mightier. 

Thy  testimonies.  Lord,  are  sure  ; 
Thy  realm  tears  no  commotion, 


74 

Firm  a?  the  earth,  whose  shores  endure 

The  eternal  toil  of  ocean. 
And  Thou  with  perfect  peace  wilt  hless 
Thy  faithful  flock  : — for  holiness 

Becomes  thine  house  for  ever. 


PSALM  XCV, 


O  come,  let  us  sing  to  the  Lord, 

In  God  our  salvation  rejoice  ; 
In  psalms  of  thanksgiving  record 

Hi-  praise,  with  one  spirit,  one  voice 
For  Jehovah  is  King,  and  He  reigns, 

The  God  of  all  gods,  on  his  throne  ; 
The  strength  of  the  hills  He  maintains. 

The  ends  of  the  earth  are  his  awn. 

The  sea  is  Jehovah's  ; — He  made 
The  tide  its  dominion  to  know  : 


i .) 

The  land  is  Jehovah's; — He  bud 
It's  solid  foundations  I  e 

O  come  let  os  worship,  and  kneel 

Before  our  Creator.  ...   r  God; 
— Tin1  people  \\ rho  serve  him  with  zeal, 

— The  flock  whom  He  guides  with  his  rod. 

As  Moses,  the  fathers  of  old. 

Through   the  Bea  and  the  wilderne-s  led. 
His  wonderful  irorkfl  we  behold, 

With  manna  from  heaven  are  fed  : 
T'  -day,  let  as  hearken,  to-day, 

To  the  voice  that  yet  speaks  from  above. 
And  all  his  commandment-  obey, 

For  all  his  commandments  are  love. 

His  wrath  let  US  fear  to  provoke, 

To  dwell  in  his  favour  unite; 
His  service  is  freedom,  his  yoke 

1-  easy,  his  burden  is  light : 


76 

But,  oh  !  of  rebellion  beware, 

Rebellion,  that  hardens  the  breast. 

Lest  God  in  his  anger  should  swear 
That  we  shall  not  enter  his  rest. 


PSALM  C. 


Be  joyful  in  God,  all  ye  lands  of  the  earth, 
O  serve  Him  with  gladness  and  fear  ; 

Exult  in  his  presence  with  music  and  mirth.. 
With  love  and  devotion  draw  near. 

For  Jehovah  is  God, — and  Jehovah  alone, 

Creator  and  ruler  o'er  all ; 
And  we  are  his  people,  his  sceptre  we  own ; 

His  sheep,  and  we  follow  his  call. 

O  enter  his  gates  with  thanksgiving  and  song. 
Your  vows  in  his  temple  proclaim  ; 


77 

Hi-  praise  w;ih  m<  lod  ouq  accordance  pio- 
Aiul  bless  In-  adorable  name.  [lung. 

For  good  ia  the  Lord,  inexpressibly  good, 
\  id  we  are  the  work  of  his  ba  d  ; 

His  mercy  and  truth  from  eternity  stood, 
And  shall  to  eternity  stand 


PSALM  cm. 


O  my  soul,  with  all  thy  powers, 

Bless  the  Lord's  most  holy  name  ; 
O  my  soul,  till  life's  last  hour-. 
Ble-<  the  Lord,  his  praise  |  roclaim; 
Thine  infirmities  He  heaTd  ; 
He  thy  peace  and  pardon  sealM 

He  with  loving-kindnes-  crown'd  thee. 
Satisried  thy  mouth  with  good  ; 


78 

From  the  snare?  of  death  unhound  thee, 
Eagle-like  thy  youth  renew'd  : 
Rich  in  tender  mercy  He, 
Slow  to  wrath,  to  favour  frees 

He  will  not  retain  displeasure, 

Though  awhile  He  hide  his  face  ; 
Nor  his  God-like  bounty  measure 
By  our  merit,  but  his  grace  ; 

As  the  heaven  the  earth  transcend?. 
Over  us  his  care  extends. 

Far  as  east  and  west  are  parted, 

He  our  sins  hath  severM  thus  ; 
As  a  father  loving-hearted 

Spares  his  son,  He  spareth  us  : 
For  he  knows  our  feeble  frame, 
He  remembers  whence  we  came 

Mark  the  field-flower  where  it  groweth, 
Frail  and  beautiful ; — anon, 


79 

When  the  south-whul  softly  bloweth, 
Look  again, — the  Bower  ifl  gone; 
Such  is  man:  lii<  honours  pass , 
Like  the  glory  of  the  grass. 

From  eternity,  enduring 

To  eternity, — the  Lord, 
Still  his  people's  bliss  insuring, 
Keeps  his  covenanted  word ; 

Yea  with  truth  and  righteousness, 
Children's  children  He  will  ble^s. 

As  in  heaven,  his  throne  and  dwelling, 

King  on  earth  He  holds  his  sway  ; 
Angels,  ye  in  strength  excelling, 
Bless  the  Lord,  his  voice  obey  ; 
All  his  works  beneath  the  pole, 
Bkss  the  Lord,  with  thee,  my  soul. 


80 


PSALM  CIV. 

VIy  soul,  adore  the  Lord  of  might ; 

W.th  uncreated  glory  crowird, 
And  ciad  in  royalty  of  light, 
He  draws  the  curtahvd  heavens  around  ; 
Dark  waters  his  pavilion  form, 
Ciouds  are  his  car,  his  wheels  the  storm, 

Lightning  before  Him,  and  behind 
Thunder  rebounding  to  and  fro; 
He  walks  upon  the  winged  wind, 
And  reins  the  blast,  or  lets  it  go  : 

— This  goodly  globe  his  wisdom  plann'd, 
He  fix'd  the  bounds  of  sea  and  land. 

When  o'er  a  guilty  world,  of  old, 
He  summonM  the  avenging  main, 

At  his  rebuke  the  billows  rolPd 
Back  to  their  parent-gulf  again  ; 


The  mountains  raised  their  joyful  heads. 
Like  new  creations,  from  their  beds. 

Thenceforth  the  self-revolving  tide 

Its  daily  fall  and  flow  maintains; 
Through  winding  vales  fresh  fountains  glide, 
Leap  from  the  hills,  or  course  the  plains  - 
There  thirsty  cattle  throng  the  brink, 
And  the  wild  asses  bend  to  drink. 

Fed  by  the  currents,  fruitful  groves 

Expand  their  ieaves,  their  fragrance  fling, 

Where  the  cool  breeze  at  noon-tide  roves, 
And  birds  among  the  branches  sing  ; 
Soft  fall  the  showers  when  day  declines, 

And  sweet  the  peaceiul  rainbow  shines. 

Graft!  through  the  meadows,  rich  with  flow- 
ers, 
God's  bounty  spreads  for  herds  and  flocks  : 

7 


82 


On  Lebanon  his  cedar  towers, 

The  wild  goats  bound  upon  his  rocks  ; 
Fowls  in  his  forests  build  their  nests, 
— The  stork  amid  the  pine-tree  rests, 

To  strengthen  man,  condemned  to  toil, 

He  fills  with  grain  the  golden  ear ; 
Bids  the  ripe  olive  melt  with  oil, 

And  swells  the  grape,  man's  heart  to  cheer : 
— The  moon  her  tide  of  changing  knows. 
Her  orb  with  lustre  ebbs  and  flows. 

The  sun  goes  down,  the  stars  come  out ; 

He  maketh  darkness,  and  'tis  night  ; 
Then  roam  the  beasts  of  prey  about, 
The  desert  rings  with  chase  and  flight : 
The  lion,  and  the  lion's  brood, 
Look  up, — and  God  provides  them  food. 

Morn  dawns  far  east ;  ere  long  the  sun 
Warms  the  glad  nations  with  his  beams ; 


83 

Day,  in  their  dens,  the  spoilers  shun. 
And  night  returns  t<>  them  in  dreams 
Man  from  bifl  couch  to  Labour  goes, 
Till  evening  brings  again  repose. 

How  manifold  thy  works,  O  Lord, 

In  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  wrought ! 
The  earth  is  with  thy  riches  stored, 
And  ocean  with  thy  wonders  fraught: 
Lntathomed  caves  beneath  the  deep 
For  Thee  their  hidden  treasures  keep 


There  go  the  ships,  with  sails  unfurl*  d. 
By  Thee  directed  on  their  way ; 

k The  re  in  his  own  mysterious  world, 
Leviathan  delights  to  play ; 
And  tribes  that  range  immensity, 
Unknown  to  man,  are  known  to  Thee, 

By  Thee  alone  the  living  live  ; 

Hide  but  thy  face,  their  comforts  fly ; 


84 

They  gather  what  thy  seasons  give  ; 
Take  Thou  away  their  breath,  they  die 
Send  forth  thy  Spirit  from  above, 
And  all  is  life  again,  and  love. 

Joy  in  his  works  Jehovah  takes, 

Yet  to  destruction  they  return ; 
He  looks  upon  the  earth,  it  quakes, 

Touches  the  mountains,  and  they  burn  : 
— Thou,  God,  for  ever  art  the  same  ; 
I  AM  is  thine  unchanging  name. 


PSALM  CVII. 

No.  1. 

Thank  and  praise  Jehovah's  name. 
For  his  mercies,  tirm  and  sure. 

From  eternity,  the  same 
To  eternity,  endure. 


85 

in'd  thus  rejoii  i  . 
Gathered  out  of  ei  erj  land, 

\-  the  people  of  his  choice; 
Pluck'd  from  the  destroyer's  hand. 

In  the  wilderness  astray. 

Hither,  thither,  while  they  roam. 
Hungry,  fainting  by  the  waj . 

Far  from  refuge,  shelter,  home  : — 

Then  unto  the  Lord  they  cry, 
He  inclines  a  gracious  ear, 

Sends  deliverance  from  on  high. 
Rescues  them  from  all  their  fear. 

To  a  pleasant  land  He  brings, 
Where  the  vine  and  olive  grow, 

Where  from  flowery  hill-  the  springs 
Through  luxuriant  valleys  flow. 

7* 


O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord, 
For  his  goodness  to  their  race  ; 

For  the  wonders  of  his  word, 
And  the  riches  of  his  grace  ! 


PSALM  CVII. 

No.  2. 

They  that  mourn  in  dungeon-gloom, 
Bound  in  iron  and  despair, 

Sentenced  to  a  heavier  doom 

Than  the  pangs  they  suffer  there  ;- 

Foes  and  rebels  once  to  God, 

They  disdain'd  his  high  controul; 

Now  they  feel  his  fiery  rod 

Striking  terrors  through  their  soul 


87 

Ifrung  with  a^ony  they  tall 
To  the  dost,  and  gazing  round, 

Call  tor  belp  : — in  vain  they  call. 

Help,  nor  hope,  nor  friend  are  found. 

Then  unto  the  Lord  they  cry, 

He  inclines  a  gracious  ear, 
>en.l-  deliverance  from  on  high, 

Rescues  them  from  all  their  fear. 

He  restores  their  forfeit-breath, 
Breaks  in  twain  the  gates  of  brass  ; 

From  the  bands  and  grasp  of  death, 
Forth  to  liberty  they  pass. 

O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord, 
For  his  goodness  to  their  race  ; 

For  the  wonders  of  his  word, 
And  the  riches  of  his  grace  ! 


88 

PSALM  CVII. 

No.  3. 

Fools,  for  their  transgression,  see 
Sharp  disease  their  youth  consume, 

And  their  beauty,  like  a  tree, 
Withering  o'er  an  early  tomb. 

Food  is  loathsome  to  their  taste, 
And  the  eye  revolts  from  light  ; 

All  their  joys  to  ruin  haste, 
As  the  sunset  into  night. 

Then  unto  the  Lord  they  cry, 
He  inclines  a  gracious  ear, 

Sends  deliverance  from  on  high, 
Rescues  them  from  all  their  fear. 


89 

He  with  health  renews  their  frame, 
Lengthens  out  their  numberM  d»J8 

Let  them  glorify  his  name 
With  the  sacrifice  of  praiie. 

O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord. 

For  his  goodness  to  their  race  ; 
For  the  wonders  of  his  word, 

And  the  riches  of  his  grace  ! 


PSALM  CVIL 

No.  4. 

They  that  toil  upon  the  deep, 
And  in  vessels  light  and  frail, 

O'er  the  mighty  waters  sweep 
With  the  billow  and  the  gale,- 


90 

Mark  what  wonders  God  performs, 
When  He  speaks,  and,  unconfined, 

Rush  to  battle  all  his  storms 
In  the  chariots  of  the  wind. 

Up  to  heaven  their  bark  is  whirl'd 
On  the  mountain  of  the  wave  ; 

Down  as  suddenly  'tis  hurl'd 
To  the  abysses  of  the  grave. 

To  and  fro  they  reel,  they  roll, 

As  intoxicate  with  wine  ; 
Terrors  paralyze  their  soul, 

Helm  they  quit,  and  hope  resign, 

Then  unto  the  Lord  they  cry, 
He  inclines  a  gracious  ear, 

Sends  deliverance  from  on  high, 
Rescues  them  from  all  their  fear 


9] 

Calm  and  smooth  the  surges  (low, 
And,  where  deadly  lightning  ran, 

God's  own  reconciling  bow 
Motes  the  ocean  with  a  span. 

0  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord, 
For  his  goodness  to  their  race  ; 

For  the  wonders  of  his  word, 
And  the  riches  of  his  grace  ! 


PSALM  CVII. 

No.  5. 

Let  the  elders  praise  the  Lord, 
Him  let  all  the  people  praise, 

When  they  meet  with  one  accord 
In  his  courts,  on  holy  days. 

God  for  sin  will  vengeance  take, 
Smite  the  earth  with  sore  distress, 


92 

And  a  fruitful  region  make 
As  the  howling  wilderness. 

But  when  mercy  stays  his  hand, 
Famine,  plague,  and  death  depart ; 

Yea  the  rock,  at  his  command, 
Pours  a  river  from  its  heart. 

There  the  hungry  dwell  in  peace, 
Cities  build,  and  plough  the  ground, 

While  their  flocks  and  herds  increase. 
And  their  corn  and  wine  abound. 

Shcull  they  yet  rebel, — his  arm 
i.ay>  their  pride  again  in  dust : 

But  the  poor  He  shields  from  harm. 
And  in  him  the  righteous  trust. 

Whoso  wisely  marks  his  will, 
Thus  evolving  bliss  from  woe, 


98 

Shall,  redeem'd  from  every  ill. 
All  his  loving-kindness  know 


PSALM   CXIII. 

Servants  of  God,  in  joyful  lays, 
Sing  ye  the  Lord  JehovalTs  praise  ; 
His  glorious  name  let  all  adore, 
From  age  to  age,  for  evermore. 

Blest  be  that  name,  supremely  blest. 
From  the  sun's  rising  to  its  rest ; 
Above  the  heavens  his  power  is  known, 
Through  all  the  earth  his  goodness  shown. 

Who  is  like  God  ? — so  great,  so  high. 
He  bows  Himself  to  view  the  >k\. 
8 


94 

And  yet,  with  condescending  grace. 
Looks  down  upon  the  human  race. 

He  hears  the  uncomplaining  moan 
Of  those  who  sit  and  weep  alone  ; 
He  lifts  the  mourner  from  the  dust, 
And  saves  the  poor  in  Him  that  trust. 

Servants  of  God,  in  joyful  lays, 
Sing  ye  the  Lord  Jehovah's  praise  ; 
His  saving  name  let  all  adore, 
From  age  to  age,  for  evermore. 


PSALM   CXVI. 

I  love  the  Lord  ; — He  lent  an  ear 
When  I  for  help  implored  ; 

He  rescued  me  from  all  my  fear, 
Therefore  I  love  the  Lord. 


Bound  hand  and  fool  with  chad 
Death  dragged  me  for  his  prej  : 

The  pit  was  moved  to  lake  me  in; 
All  hope  was  tar  away. 

1  cried  in  agony  of  mind, 
"  Lord.  1  beseech  Thee,  save  :" 

He  heard  me; — Death  his  prey  resign'd 
And  Mercy  shut  the  grave. 

Return,  my  soul,  unto  thy  rest, 

From  God  no  longer  roam; 
His  hand  hath  bountifully  hh 

His  goodness  call'd  thee  home 

What  shall  I  render  unto  Thee, 

My  Saviour  in  dish 
For  all  thy  benefits  to  me. 

So  great  and  numberle— 


96 

This  will  I  do,  for  thy  love's  sake, 
And  thus  thy  power  proclaim ; 

The  sacramental  cup  I  take, 
And  call  upon  thy  name. 

Thou  God  of  covenanted  grace, 
Hear  and  record  my  vow, 

While  in  thy  courts  I  seek  thy  face, 
And  at  thine  altar  bow  : — 

Henceforth  to  Thee  myself  I  give  ; 

With  single  heart  and  eye, 
To  walk  before  Thee  while  I  live, 
And  bless  Thee  when  I  die. 


PSALM  CXVIL 

All  ye  Gentiles,  praise  the  Lord, 
All  ye  lands,  your  voices  raise : 


97 

Heaven  and  earth,  with  load  accoi 
se  the  Lord,  for  ever  pi 

For  his  truth  and  n  ind, 

Past,  and  present,  and  to  be. 

Like  the  years  of  his  right-hand 
Like  his  own  etern 

Praise  Hini.  ye  who  know  his  love, 
Praise  Him  from  the  depths  beneath. 

Praise  Him  in  the  heights  above  ; 
Praise  your  Maker,  all  that  breathe 


PSALM  (XXL 

Encompassed  with  ten  thousand  ills. 

Prest  by  pursuing  I 
I  lift  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills, 

From  whence  salvation  flows 

o    * 


98 

My  help  is  from  the  Lord,  who  made 
And  governs  earth  and  sky  ; 

I  look  to  his  almighty  aid. 
And  ever-watching  eye. 

— He  who  thy  soul  in  safety  keeps 
Shall  drive  destruction  hence  ; 

The  Lord  thy  keeper  never  sleeps  ; 
The  Lord  is  thy  defence. 

The  sun,  with  his  afflictive  light. 

Shall  harm  thee  not  by  day  ; 
Nor  thee  the  moon  molest  by  night 

Along  thy  tranquil  way. 

Thee  shall  the  Lord  preserve  from  sin. 

And  comfort  in  distress ; 
Thy  ^oing  out  and  coming  in, 

The  Lord  thy  God  shall  bless* 


*)9 


PSALM  CXXIL 

Glad  was  my  heart  to  hear 

My  old  companions  say, 
Come — in  the  house  of  God  appear, 

For  ^tis  an  holy  day. 

Our  willing  feet  shall  stand 

Within  the  temple-don  r, 
While  young  and  old,  in  many  a  band. 

Shall  throng  the  sacred  floor. 

Thither  the  tribes  repair. 
Where  all  are  wont  to  meet, 

And,  joyful  in  the  house  of  prayer. 
Bend  at  the  mercy-seat. 

Pray  for  Jerusalem, 
The  city  of  our  God  ; 


100 

The  Lord  from  heaven  be  kind  to  them 
That  love  the  dear  abode. 

Within  these  walls  may  peace 

And  harmony  be  found ; 
Zion,  in  all  thy  palaces, 

Prosperity  abound  ! 

For  friends  and  brethren  dear, 
Our  prayer  shall  never  cease  ; 

Oft  as  they  meet  for  worship  here, 
God  send  his  people  peace  ! 


PSALM  CXXIV, 

The  Lord  is  on  our  side, 
His  people  now  may  say  ; 

The  Lord  is  on  our  side, — or  we 
Had  fallen  a  sudden  prey. 


101 

Sin,  >;it;m,  Death  and  Hell, 
Like  fire,  againgJ  us  rose; 

Then  had  the  ft  ed  us  quick. 

But  God  repell'd  our  foes. 

Like  water  they  returned, 

When  wildest  tempests  rave  ; 

Then  had  the  floods  gone  o'er  our  head. 
But  God  was  there  to  save. 

From  jeopardy  redeem'd, 

As  from  the  lion's  wrath, 
Mercy  and  truth  uphold  our  life, 

And  safety  guards  our  path. 

Our  soul  escaped  the  toils; 

As  from  the  fowler's  snare, 
The  bird,  with  disentangled  wings, 

Flits  though  the  boundle-s  air. 


102 

Our  help  is  from  the  Lord ; 

In  Him  we  will  confide,  [earth  : 

Who  stretch'd  the  heavens,  who  form'd  the 

— The  Lord  is  on  our  side. 


PSALM  CXXV. 

Who  make  the  Lord  of  Hosts  their  tower, 

Shall  like  Mount  Zion  be, 
Immoveable  by  mortal  power, 

Built  on  eternity. 

As  round  about  Jerusalem 

The  guardian  mountains  stand, 

So  shall  the  Lord  encompass  them, 
Who  hold  by  his  right  hand. 

The  rod  of  wickedness  shall  ne'er 
Against  the  just  prevail, 


KB 

Lest  innocence  should  find  a  snare, 
And  tempted  firtiM  fail. 

Do  good,  O  Lord,  do  good  to  those 
Who  cleav  ■  to  Thee  in  heart, 

Who  on  thy  truth  alone  repose. 
Nor  from  thy  law  depart. 

While  rebel-souls,  who  turn  aside, 
Thine  anger  shall  destroy, 

Do  Thou  in  peace  thy  people  guide 
To  thine  eternal  joy. 


PSALM  CXXVI. 

When  God  from  sin's  captivity 
Sets  his  aiRicted  people  free, 
1        in  amaze,  the^r  mercies  seem 
The  transient  raptures  of  a  dream 


104 

But  soon  their  ransom'd  souls  rejoice, 
And  mirth  and  music  swell  their  voice. 
Till  foes  confess,  nor  dare  condemn, 
"  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  them/* 

They  catch  the  strain  and  answer  thus, 
u  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us, 
Whence  gladness  fills  our  hearts,  and  songs, 
Sweet  and  spontaneous,  wake  our  tongues.'" 

Turn  our  captivity,  O  Lord, 
As  southern  rivers,  at  thy  word, 
Bound  from  their  channels,  and  restore 
Plenty,  where  all  was  waste  before. 

Who  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy ; 
Nought  shall  the  precious  seed  destroy, 
Nor  long  the  weeping  exiles  roam, 
But  bring  their  sheaves  rejoicing  home, 


105 


PSALM  CXXX 

Out  of  the  depths  of  woe 

To  Thee,  O  Lord,  1  cry  ; 
Darkness  surrounds  me,  but  I  know 

That  Thou  art  ever  nigh. 

Then  hearken  to  my  voice, 
Give  ear  to  my  complaint ; 

Thou  bid'st  the  mourning  soul  rejoice. 
Thou  comfortest  the  faint. 

I  cast  my  hope  on  Thee, 

Thou  canst,  Thou  wilt  forgive  ; 

Wert  Thou  to  mark  iniquity, 
Who  in  thy  sight  could  live  ? 

Humbly  on  Thee  I  wait, 
Confessing  all  my  sin ; 
9 


106 

Lord,  1  am  knocking  at  thy  gate  5 
Open,  and  take  me  in. 

Like  them,  whose  longing  eyes 

Watch,  tiii  the  morning  star  [rise, 

(Though  late  and  seen  through  tempests) 

Heaven's  portals  to  unbar  :-— 

Like  them  I  watch  and  pray, 

And  though  it  tarry  long, 
Catch  the  first  gleam  of  welcome  day, 

Then  burst  into  a  song. 

Glory  to  God  above  ; 

The  waters  soon  will  cease, 
For,  3o  !  the  swift  returning  dove 

Brings  home  the  sign  of  peace. 

Though  storms  his  face  obscure, 
And  dangers  threaten  loud, 


107 

Jehovah's  covenant  is  sure, 
His  bow  is  in  the  cloud. 


PSALM  CXXXI. 

Lord,  forever  at  thy  side 

Let  my  place  and  portion  be ; 

Strip  me  of  the  robe  of  pride, 
Clothe  me  with  humility. 

Meekly  may  my  soul  receive 
All  thy  Spirit  hath  reveaPd  ; 

Thou  hast  spoken. — I  believe, 

Though  the  prophecy  were  seaPd. 

Quiet  as  a  weaned  child, 

Weaned  from  the  mothers  breast ; 
By  no  subtlety  beguiPd, 

On  thy  faithful  word  I  rest 


108 

faints,  rejoicing  evermore, 
In  the  Lord  Jehovah  trust : 

Him  in  all  his  ways  adore, 
Wise,  and  wonderful,  and  just. 


PSALM  CXXXIL 

No.  1. 

God  in  his  temple  let  us  meet, 

Low  on  your  knees  before  Him  bend  ; 

Here  hath  He  nVd  his  mercy-seat, 
Here  on  his  Sabbath  we  attend. 

Arise  into  thy  resting-place, 

Thou,  and  thine  ark  of  strength,  O  Lord ; 
Shine  through  the  veil,  we  seek  thy  face  : 

Speak,  for  we  hearken  to  thy  word. 


109 

With  righteousness  thy  priests  array  ; 

Joyful  thy  chosen  people  he  ; 
Let  those  who  teach  and  those  who  pray, 

Let  all — he  holiness  to  Thee. 


PSALM  CXXXII. 

No.  2. 

Lord,  for  thy  servant  David's  sake, 
Perform  thine  oath  to  David's  son  ;— 

Thy  truth  Thou  never  wilt  forsake ; — 
Look  on  thine  own  Anointed  One. 

The  Lord  in  faithfulness  hath  sworn, 
His  throne  for  ever  to  maintain  ; 

From  realm  to  realm,  the  sceptre  borne 
Shall  stretch  o'er  earth  Messiah's  reijn. 
9  * 


110 

Zion  my  chosen  hill  of  old, 

My  rest,  my  dwelling,  my  delight, 

With  loving-kindness  I  uphold, 
Her  walls  are  ever  in  my  sight. 

I  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread, 
Her  tables  with  abundance  bless, 

Joy  on  her  sons  and  daughters  shed, 

And  clothe  her  priests  with  righteousness 

There  David's  horn  shall  bud  and  bloom, 
The  branch  of  glory  and  renown  ; 

His  foes  my  vengeance  shall  consume  ; 
Him  with  eternal  years  I  crown. 


PSALM  CXXXIIL 

How  beautiful  the  sight 
Of  brethren  who  agree 


Ill 

lu  friendship  to  unite. 

And  bond<  of  charity  ; 
'T\<  like  the  precious  ointment,  shed 
CTer  all  his  robes,  from  Aaron's  head. 

*Tm  like  the  dews  that  fill 

The  cups  of  Hermon's  flowers , 

Or  Zion's  fruitful  hill, 

Bright  with  the  drops  of  showers, 

When  mingling  odours  breathe  around. 

And  glory  rests  on  all  the  ground. 

For  there  the  Lord  commands 
Blessings,  a  boundless  store, 

From  his  unsparing  hands, 
Yea.  life  for  evermore  : 

Thrice  happy  they  who  meet  above 

To  spend  eternity  in  iove  ! 


112 


PSALM  CXXXIV. 

Bless  ye  the  Lord  with  solemn  rite  ; 

In  hymns  extol  his  name, 
Ye  who,  within  his  house  by  night, 

Watch  round  the  altar's  flame. 

Lift  up  your  hands  amid  the  place, 
Where  burns  the  sacred  sign, 

And  pray,  that  thus  Jehovah's  face 
O'er  all  the  earth  may  shine. 

From  Zion,  from  his  holy  hill, 
The  Lord  our  Maker  send 

The  perfect  knowledge  of  his  will* 
Salvation  without  end. 


113 

PSALM    CXXXVIL 

Where  Babylon's  broad  river-  roll, 
In   >xile  we  Bate  down  to  weep, 

For  thoughts  of  Zion  o'er  our  soul 
Came,  like  departed  joys,  in  sleep, 

Who-e  form*  to  sad  remembrance  ris< 
Though  tied  for  ever  from  our  eve?. 

Our  harps  upon  the  willow-  hung, 

Where,  worn  with  toil,  our  limbs  reclined  ; 

The  chords,  untuned  and  trembling,  rung 

With  mournful  music  on  the  w: 
While  foes,  insulting  o'er  our  wrongs, 
Cried, — "  Sing  us  one  of  Zion's  songs. " 

How  can  we  sing  the  songs  we  love. 

Far  from  our  own  delightful  land  ? 
— If  I  prefer  thee  not  above 

My  chiefest  joy,  may  this  right  hand. 


114 


Jerusalem! — forget  its  skill, 

My  tongue  be  dumb,  my  pulse  be  still 


PSALM  CXXXVIII. 

Thee  will  I  praise,  O  Lord,  in  light, 
Where  seraphim  surround  thy  throne  ; 

With  heart  and  soul,  with  mind  and  might, 
Thee  will  I  worship,  Thee  alone. 

I  bow  toward  thy  holy  place ; 

For  Thou,  in  mercy  still  the  same, 
Hast  magnified  thy  word  of  grace 

O'er  all  the  wonders  of  thy  name. 

In  peril,  when  I  cried  to  Thee, 

How  did  thy  strength  renew  my  soul ! 

Kings  and  their  realms  might  bend  the  knee. 
Could  I  to  man  reveal  the  whole 


115 

Thou,  Lord,  above  all  height  art  high. 

Yet  with  the  Lowly  wilt  Thou  d 
The  proud  far  off.  thy  jealous  eye 

Shall  mark,  and  with  a  look  repel. 

Though  in  the  depth  of  trouble  thrown, 
With  grief  I  shall  not  always  strive, 

Thou  wilt  thy  -uffering  servant  own, 
And  Thou  the  contrite  heart  revive 

Thy  purpose  then  in  me  fulfil ; 

For-ake  me  not.  for  1  am  thine ; 
Perfect  in  me  thine  utmost  will ; 

— Whatever  it  be,  that  will  be  mine. 


PSALM    CXXXIX. 

Searches  of  heart-  to  Thee  are  known 
The  inmost  secrets  of  my  breast; 


116 

\t  home,  abroad,  in  crowds,  alone, 

Thou  mark'st  my  n^ng  and  my  rest, 
My  thoughts  far  olf,  through  every  maze, 
Source,  stream,  and  issue, — ali  my  ways. 

No  word  that  from  my  mouth  proceeds 
Evil  or  good,  escapes  thine  ear; 

Witness  Thou  art  to  ali  my  deeds, 
Before,  behind,  for  ever  near  : 

Such  knowledge  is  for  me  too  high  : 

I  live  but  in  my  maker's  eye. 

How  from  thy  presence  should  I  go, 
Or  whither  from  thy  Spirit  flee, 

Since  all  above,  around,  below, 
Exist  in  thine  immensity? 

— If  up  to  heaven  I  take  my  way, 

I  meet  Thee  in  eternal  day. 

If  in  the  fjrave  I  make  ray  bed 

With  worms  and  dust,  lo,  Thou  art  there  ; 


117 

If,  on  the  wings  of  morning  sped. 

Beyond  the  ocean  I  repair, 
I  feel  thine  all-controlling  will, 
And  Thy  right-hand  upholds  me  stil! 

"  Let  darkness  hide  me,"'  if  I  say, 
Darkness  can  no  concealment  be  ; 

Night,  on  thy  rising,  shines  like  day, 
Darkness  and  light  are  one  with  Thee 

For  Thou  mine  embryo-form  didst  view 

Ere  her  own  babe  my  mother  knew. 

In  me  thy  workmanship  di^play'd. 

A  miracle  of  power  I  stand  ; 
Fearfully,  wonderfully  made, 

And  framed  in  secret  by  Thy  hand ; 
I  lived,  ere  into  being  brought, 
Through  thine  eternity  of  thought. 

How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  of  peace. 

O  God,  to  me  !  how  great  the  sum ! 

Hew  every  morn,  they  never  ce^*  ; 
10 


118 

They  were,  they  are,  and  yet  shall  come. 
In  number  and  in  compass,  more 
Than  ocean's  sand,  or  ocean's  shore. 

Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart, 
Try  me,  my  secret  soul  survey, 

And  warn  thy  servant  to  depart 
From  every  false  and  evil  way  : 

So  shall  thy  truth  my  guidance  be 

To  life  and  immortality. 


PSALM  CXLL 

Lord  let  my  prayer  like  incense  rise, 
And  when  I  lift  my  hands  to  Thee, 

As  on  the  evening-sacrifice,  [me . 

Look  down  from  heaven,  well-pleased,  on 

Set  Thou  a  watch  to  keep  my  tongue. 
Let  not  my  heart  to  sin  incline  ; 


119 

Jxive  me  from  men  who  practise  wrong, 
Let  me  not  share  their  mirth  and  Wine. 

But  let  the  righteous,  when  I  stray, 

Smite  me  in  love  ; — his  strokes  are  kind ; 

Hi>  mild  reproofs,  like  oil  allay 

The  wounds  they  make,  and  heal  the  mind. 

Mine  eyes  are  unto  Thee,  my  God ; 

Behold  me  humbled  in  the  dust ; 
1  kiss  the  hand  that  wields  the  rod, 

I  own  thy  chastisements  are  just. 

But  O  redeem  me  from  the  snares, 

With  which  the  world  surrounds  my  feet 

— Its  riches,  vanities,  and  cares, 
Its  love,  its  hatred,  its  deceit. 


120 
PSALM  CXLII. 

I  cried  unto  the  Lord  most  just, 

Most  merciful,  in  prayer ; 
I  cried  unto  Him  from  the  dust, 

I  told  Him  my  despair. 

When  sunk  my  soul  within  me, — then 
Thou  knew'st  the  path  I  chose  ; 

Unharm'd  I  pass'd  the  spoiler's  den, 
I  walk'd  through  ambush'd  foes. 

I  look'd  for  friends,— there  was  not  one 

In  sorrow  to  condole  ; 
I  look'd  for  refuge, — there  was  none  ; 

None  cared  for  my  soul. 

I  cried  unto  the  Lord  ; — I  said, — 
Thou  art  my  refuge  ;  Thou, 

My  portion  ; — hasten  to  mine  aid  ; 
Hear  and  deliver  now. 


121 

Now,  dungeon,  from  the  grave, — 

Exalt  thj  Buppliants  head; 
Thj  voice  is  freedom  to  the  slave, 

Revival  to  the  dead. 


PSALM  CXLIIL 

Hear  me,  O  Lord,  in  my  distress, 

Hear  me  in  truth  and  righteousness  ; 
For  at  thy  bar  of  judgment  tried, 
None  living  can  be  justified. 

Lord,  I  have  foes  without,  within, 
The  world,  the  flesh,  indwelling  sin. 
Life's  daily  ills,  temptation's  power, 
And  Satan  roaring  to  devour. 

These,  these  my  fainting  soul  surround, 
My  -trength  i*  smitten  to  the  ground  ; 
Like  those  long  dead,  beneath  their  weight 
Crush'd  is  my  heart  and  desolate. 


122 

Vet,  in  the  gloom  of  silent  thought, 
I  call  to  mind  what  God  hath  wrought, 
Thy  wonders  in  the  days  of  old, 
Thy  mercies  great  and  manifold. 

Ah !  then  to  Thee  I  stretch  my  hands, 
Like  failing  streams  through  desert-sands  ; 
I  thirst  for  Thee,  as  harvest-plains 
ParchM  by  the  summer  thirst  for  rains. 

O  let  me  not  thus  hopeless  lie, 
Like  one  condemnM  at  morn  to  die, 
But  with  the  morning  may  I  see 
Thy  loving-kindness  visit  me. 

Teach  me  thy  will,  subdue  my  own  ; 
Thou  art  my  God,  and  Thou  alone  ; 
By  thy  good  Spirit,  guide  me  still, 
Safe  from  all  foes,  to  Zion's  hill. 

Release  my  soul  from  trouble,  Lord  ; 
Quicken  and  keep  me  by  thy  word ; 


123 

May  all  its  promises  be  mine  ; 
Be  Thou  my  portion — I  am  thin* 


PSALM  CXLIV. 

The  Lord  is  gracious  to  forgive. 
And  slow  to  let  his  anger  move  ; 
The  Lord  is  good  to  all  that  live, 
And  all  his  tender  mercy  prove. 

Thy  works,  O  God,  thy  praise  proclaim  ; 
The  saints  thy  wondrous  deeds  shall  sing- 
Extol  thy  power,  and  to  thy  name 
Homage  from  every  nation  bring. 

Glorious  in  majesty  art  Thou  ; 
Thy  throne  for  ever  shail  endure  ; 
Angels  before  Thy  footstool  bow, 
Yet  dost  Thou  not  despise  the  poor. 


124 

The  Lord  upholdeth  them  that  fall ; 
He  raiseth  men  of  low  degree  ; 
O  God,  our  health,  the  eyes  of  all, 
Of  all  the  living,  wait  on  Thee. 

Thou  openest  thine  exhaustless  store.. 
And  rainest  food  on  ever}'  land ; 
The  dumb  creation  Thee  adore, 
And  eat  their  portion  from  thy  hand. 

Man,  most  indebted,  mo?t  ingrate, 
Man  only,  is  a  rebel  here  ; 
Teach  him  to  know  Thee,  ere  too  late 
Teach  him  to  love  Thee,  and  to  fear. 


PSALM  CXLVIII. 

Heralds  of  creation  cry, 
— Praise  the  Lord,  the  Lord  most  high  ; 
Heaven  and  earth,  obey  the  call, 
Praise  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  all. 


125 

For  He  spake,  and  forth  from  night 
Sprang  the  universe  to  liirht ; 
He  commanded, — Nature  heard. 
And  stood  last  upon  his  word. 

Praise  Him,  all  ye  hosts  above. 
Spirits  perfected  in  love  ; 
Sun  and  moon,  your  voices  rai^e. 
Sing,  ye  stars,  your  Maker's  praisf 

Earth,  from  all  thy  depths  below, 
Ocean's  hallelujahs  flow  ; 
Lightning,  vapour,  wind,  and  storm, 
Hail  and  snow,  his  will  perform. 

Vales  and  mountains,  burst  in  song  ; 
Rivers,  roll  with  praise  along  ; 
Clap  your  hands,  ye  trees,  and  hail 
God,  who  comes  in  every  gale. 
11 


126 

Birds,  on  wings  of  rapture,  soar, 
Warble  at  his  temple-door ; 
Joyful  sounds,  from  herds  and  flocks, 
Echo  back,  ye  caves  and  rocks. 

Kings,  your  Sovereign  serve  with  awe 
Judges,  own  his  righteous  law  ; 
Princes,  worship  him  with  fear ; 
Bow  the  knee,  all  people  here. 

Let  his  truth  by  babes  be  told, 
And  his  wonders  by  the  old  ; 
Youths  and  maidens,  in  your  prime. 
Learn  the  lays  of  heaven  betime. 

High  above  all  height  his  throne, 
Excellent  his  name  alone ; 
Him  let  all  his  works  confess ; 
Him  let  every  being  bless. 

THE   ENP. 


Tvte  Due 


